Abstract

This project facilitated the production of learning materials for two
units in the junior secondary science syllabus in Swaziland. A
cross-section of practising teachers was involved in the creation and
trialling of the materials.

These new materials, called the Matsapha Lessons, replace the standard
SWISP (Swaziland Integrated Science Project) units, and have a
technological approach to science, characterised by three aspects:
(i) contextualisation - linking science to everyday life and the
experiences that students may have had or are likely to have
(ii) application - helping students to select and apply their science
knowledge to solve problems
(iii) investigation - developing science investigative abilities to
help students to design and execute valid practical tests.

An INSET induction programme, including a detailed workshop manual, has
been developed to introduce the materials to teachers. The effectiveness
of various features of this induction programme has been evaluated
longitudinally in terms of teacher adoption and implementation of the
novel teaching approach, and in terms of student attainment and
attitude.